What AAA towing reimbursement covers

AAA towing reimbursement is a benefit that reimburses you for towing costs when your car breaks down, but only if you paid for the tow yourself first. AAA does not dispatch tow trucks directly to non-members or pay towers on the spot — you arrange and pay the tow company, then submit a receipt to AAA for reimbursement. The amount AAA covers depends on your membership level and the distance towed.

AAA membership levels offer different towing distances. Classic membership typically covers up to 7 miles of towing per incident. Plus membership usually covers up to 100 miles. Premier membership often covers up to 200 miles. These distances reset after each tow, so if you need multiple tows in one year, each one is covered separately up to that distance limit.

AAA reimburses you for the actual cost of the tow, up to the maximum distance your membership covers. If you are towed 50 miles and your membership covers 100 miles, you get reimbursed for the full 50-mile tow. If you are towed 150 miles and your membership covers 100 miles, you pay the difference yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be an active AAA member at the time of the breakdown to receive any reimbursement, and membership must have been active when the tow occurred.
  • You pay the tow company directly, then submit your receipt and membership card information to AAA for reimbursement within a set timeframe, usually 30 to 60 days.
  • AAA reimburses the actual tow cost up to the distance limit of your membership level, so a 50-mile tow under a 100-mile plan is fully covered.
  • Reimbursement typically takes one to two weeks after AAA receives your complete claim, though this varies by region.
  • Some tow companies have direct billing agreements with AAA, meaning you do not pay upfront and the tower bills AAA directly instead.

How to file a towing reimbursement claim

Start by gathering your receipt from the tow company. The receipt should show the date of service, the distance towed, the starting location, the destination, and the total charge. You will also need your AAA membership number and card.

Contact your local AAA club to submit the claim. Most clubs accept claims by mail, online through their website, or in person at a branch office. Some regions allow you to submit claims through the AAA mobile app. Ask your club which method is fastest in your area — some process online claims within days, while mail claims can take longer.

Include your membership card number, the tow receipt, and a brief description of what happened (for example, "engine failure" or "flat tire"). Do not assume the tower reported the tow to AAA — you are responsible for filing the claim yourself. Submit it as soon as possible after the tow, because most clubs have a 30- to 60-day window for claims.

When AAA will not reimburse a tow

AAA will not reimburse you if your membership was not active on the date of the breakdown. If your membership expired the day before your car broke down, you are not covered. Renew your membership before it lapses to avoid this problem.

AAA also will not reimburse tows that exceed your membership's distance limit, except for the portion within that limit. If your membership covers 100 miles and you are towed 150 miles, AAA pays for 100 miles and you owe the tower the remaining cost. Some towers will negotiate a lower rate if you tell them upfront that AAA will only cover part of it.

Tows for traffic violations, impound lots, or police holds are typically not covered. Tows related to accidents where you were at fault may also be excluded, depending on your club's policy. Check your membership agreement or call your local club to confirm what is and is not covered before you need a tow.

Direct billing versus paying upfront

Some tow companies have agreements with AAA to bill the organization directly. When you call for a tow and mention you are an AAA member, the tower may tell you they can bill AAA and you will not owe anything upfront. This is faster than paying and waiting for reimbursement.

However, direct billing only works if the tower is in AAA's network for your region. Not all tow companies participate. If the tower is not in the network or does not offer direct billing, you will pay out of pocket and file for reimbursement later.

Ask the tow company whether they bill AAA directly before they arrive. If they do, confirm that your membership is active and provide your membership number. If they do not, be prepared to pay by card or cash and keep your receipt for reimbursement.

Membership levels and towing distance limits

AAA offers three main membership tiers, each with a different towing distance. Classic membership is the entry level and covers the shortest distance — typically 7 miles per tow. This covers local tows to a nearby repair shop but not long-distance tows.

Plus membership covers a longer distance, usually around 100 miles per tow. This is the most common level and covers most situations where you need to reach a repair shop outside your when ready area or get home if you break down on a road trip.

Premier membership offers the longest coverage, typically 200 miles per tow. This is useful if you frequently travel long distances or live far from repair facilities. Some regions offer additional tiers or variations, so check your local AAA club's current offerings.

Membership costs vary by region and club. Upgrading from Classic to Plus or Plus to Premier usually costs between $50 and $150 per year, depending on where you live. Ask your club what each level costs and whether the extra distance is worth the upgrade for your driving habits.

What to do if your claim is denied

If AAA denies your reimbursement claim, they will send you a written explanation. Common reasons for denial include membership not being active on the date of the tow, exceeding the distance limit, or the tow not being covered under your plan.

Review the denial letter carefully. If you believe the decision is wrong — for example, if your membership was active but AAA's records show otherwise — contact your local AAA club and ask to speak with a claims representative. Bring your membership card, the tow receipt, and any other documentation you have.

If the club stands by the denial after you explain your situation, you can file a formal appeal with the club's customer service department. Keep copies of all correspondence. If the issue remains unresolved, contact your state's insurance commissioner or attorney general's office, though AAA membership benefits are not insurance and may fall outside their jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AAA towing reimbursement if I am not the one who called for the tow?

Yes, as long as you were the vehicle owner or authorized driver and your membership was active. You will need to provide the receipt and your membership information. If someone else paid the tower, you may need a receipt showing the amount paid, and you will be reimbursed directly to you or the person who paid, depending on your club's policy.

Does AAA towing reimbursement work in other states or countries?

AAA coverage generally works across the United States if you are a member of an AAA club, because most clubs honor each other's memberships. Coverage outside the U.S. varies by club and membership level. Contact your club before traveling internationally to confirm whether your towing benefit is active in your destination.

What if the tow company charges more than what AAA reimburses?

You are responsible for the difference. AAA reimburses up to the actual cost of the tow, but only up to the distance limit of your membership. If the tower charges $500 for a 100-mile tow and your membership covers 100 miles, AAA pays $500. If they charge $600, you owe the extra $100.

How long does it take to receive reimbursement after I submit my claim?

Most AAA clubs process claims within one to two weeks of receiving a complete claim. Online submissions are often faster than mail. Check with your local club about their typical processing time, and follow up if you do not receive reimbursement within three weeks.

Can I transfer my unused towing distance to the next year?

No. Towing distance resets each membership year and does not carry over. If you do not use your towing benefit in one year, you do not accumulate extra distance for the next year. Each year you start fresh with your membership level's distance limit.